Diabetes Nurse

Work with patients whose bodies do not produce enough insulin.

Quick Stats

Outlook

Very Good

Salary Range

$44,000 – $95,000

Data from U.S. Department of Labor

What do Diabetes Nurses do?

Diabetes is a disease in which the body fails to produce the proper amount of insulin. Common conditions that arise from the disease involve nearly every organ in the body. Because of the sharp increase in case numbers over the last several decades, caring for diabetes has become big business. Diabetes Nurse Practitioners, Family Practice Physicians, and Diabetes Nurses confront the daily challenge of treating patients who suffer from this debilitating disease.

As a Diabetes Nurse, you might work in an outpatient environment, where patients check in for periodic visits. You take blood samples and run tests to monitor blood sugar levels. In addition, you ask questions about the patient’s eating, exercise, and other health habits. Because you work as a liaison between the Doctor or Nurse Practitioner and the patient, you keep careful records of all conversations, medications, test results, and procedures.

Some patients require more intensive care, so you use your Diabetes Nurse skills when they enter the hospital, seek short-term intensive stabilization, or are in the terminal stages of the disease.

At every stage in the process, you offer support and a nurturing spirit. Sometimes, that requires playing the role of Counselor. Other times, you act as Caregiver, ensuring they take their medicine, make good choices about their diet, and anything else that can help them monitor, manage, prevent, stabilize, or improve the symptoms of diabetes.

Should I be a Diabetes Nurse?

You should have
an
associate's
degree or higher and share these traits:

Detail Oriented:
You pay close attention to all the little details.

Trustworthy:
You are known for your personal integrity and honesty.

Calm Under Pressure:
You keep your cool when dealing with highly stressful situations.